What to bring to Cuba
The ultimate Cuba cycling tour packing guide (and what not to bring)
This ultimate Cuba cycling tour packing guide will set you up with a list of everything you will need for your trip to Cuba. Since we are on the cycling tours in Cuba business this will be our focus, but this guide could just as well inform any traveler looking into Cuba as a holiday destination.
There is one thing you need to keep in mind at all stages of packing: Purchasing common travel items can be a challenging task. Cuba has endured for decades the American Embargo. So don’t expect the wide variety and availability you take for granted at home or at most other places you may have visited. Sure, its not a desert or anything, but sometimes finding the simplest of things can become a hard task. Also good to remember: it’s always hot in Cuba, regardless of the time of year. The winter season consists mainly of a couple of cold spots no more than 2-5 days long, and most of the times not even that cold.
Things to remember to do before you leave home
- Inform your credit card company, that you are traveling and tell them all the countries you will visit.
- Buy a roaming package from your provider.
- Pay all your bills.
- Put a hold on your mail and newspaper.
- Set a timer on your house lights.
- Cut your toe nails and finger nails.
- View a few “You Tube” movies about the culture of the country you are visiting.
- Get a haircut from your favourite hair dresser.
- Pack all luggage. Put the contents and case on a bed and take a photo. This as evidence, should you need to make an insurance claim.
- Purchase trip cancelation and health coverage. This is important I just made a $985 insurance claim for a ticket.
- Check passport and visa are in order.
- Make sure of any inoculations, recommended for the countries you will vist.
General necessities
- Plenty of cash. Cash is the way to go in Cuba. Either bring Canadian money, Euros or Sterling. Make sure you have NEW bills. From past years experience, Cuban banks won’t take it if it’s ripped, torn, defaced , written on, or has any type of ink stamp on it. The bills can be folded but that’s about it! If you need more information on how much to bring or tip and how to exchange it you can also check our travel guide post: How much money should i bring to Cuba.
- Money & Passport. Make sure passport will not expire while here in Cuba. Bring a photo copy of passport just in case you loose said document. If you are a US citizen, check the US State Department page. It will give you the latest travel requirements.
- Medical and travel insurance. You can check this page for more information.
- Energy bars, gels and electrolyte powder for your ride water, are all a great idea. These are not available in Cuba and if we happen upon a closed or out of food cafe (it happens), you will be glad to have these along.
- Camera. This days a smartphone camera is more than enough to create some beautiful memories of your trip to Cuba, but some of you might want a more serious hardware. Either way, be sure not to forget cargers and cables.
- Sun block. You can buy it in Cuba but it is generally hard to find and most likely cheaper at home.
- At least three pairs of cycling shorts. You need to have a clean pair every morning. Two or three pairs of “Coolmax.” Socks. Swim gear and beach towel. Sun hat for the beach Walking boots. If you plan on doing any walking. A light jacket might be handy for a chilly mountain night.
- Various: Bug repellent, small backpack, walking shoes, a small flashlight if you don’t have a phone. Imodium and Florastor Probiotics are good for upset tummies.
Cycling Equipment
Our cycling tours always have a mechanic on staff. And there is plenty of equipment available for rent. You can check our rental page form more info here. But some things you will want to handle yourself.
- Cycling Shorts (3) Do not wear the same shorts two days in a row, the body salt in the liner will bring on saddle sores. Wash in sink every night.
- Cycling shoes, jerseys and gloves. Sun Glasses. Raincoat.
- Helmet. Not mandatory but we like to participants to use one.
- Spare tube. Repair kit. 2 water bottles. (New & clean)
- Powder Sport Drink: “eload Electrolyte Loader”. Or make your own: 3 tbls sugar, 2 pinches salt + flavouring per sport bottle.
Good gifts for the locals
Anything really. Like i mentioned above: even common everyday items are sometimes hard to find. You can always get away with a few bucks here and there and that will go a long way. But if you are looking to be a little bit more creative without breaking the bank, consider some of these ideas:
- Fun kids stuff. A tooth brush or small toy with a fun theme like spider-man or superman or avengers. Coloring books or crayons.
- Stuff you can use and then leave behind. Anything from mugs to flip flops or crocks. Sunglasses. Deodorant and other hygiene items (best in small bottles) Hair scrunchies or ornaments.
- Any tool or spare part. Small bags or purses. Vitamins.
What NOT to bring to Cuba
- Credit cards that draw on American Banks. Please note that Canadian Credit Unions often are associated with American major banks and will categorized as American. Hopefully this silly game will come to an end soon.
- GPS Cuba forbids the import of GPS units, walkie talkies or a satellite phone, they could be confiscated at the airport.
- Drones. Can easily be used to take photographs of sensitive areas such as military installations. They will be confiscated upon arrival.
- Any item in large enough quantities. This will we considered an attempt to illegally sell them.